Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on Aug. 10
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We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in North Carolina. Check back for updates.
State reports smallest increase in cases since June
At least 136,844 people in North Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 2,172 have died, according to state health officials.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday reported an additional 626 cases of COVID-19, down from 1,453 cases on Sunday.
Monday’s total is the smallest daily increase since June 2. Daily counts have typically topped 1,000 — surpassing 2,000 several times in late July.
An additional four deaths were also reported Monday.
The health department also reported surpassing 2 million total completed coronavirus tests. On Monday, the rate of positive tests dropped to 5% for the first time since May 11. It has ranged from 7% to 10% since June. A positive rate of 5% has long been the target for state health officials.
Hospitalizations increase slightly
At least 1,111 people in North Carolina were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, down from 1,109 reported on Sunday.
The health department said Monday 617 ICU beds are available, down slightly from the day before.
Monday’s total is based on data from 80% of hospitals. On Sunday, 84% reported data.
Data on hospitalizations is preliminary and can be updated.
Unemployment confusion
The weekly $600 boost to unemployment benefits from the federal government ended at the start of August, and Congress didn’t extend them.
President Donald Trump over the weekend claimed he could extend the benefits without Congress and announced a plan to give unemployed Americans an extra $400 a week instead of $600. But it’s been unclear if states will have to pay for part of it.
North Carolina leaders aren’t saying if they’ll be participating in the plan, The News & Observer reports.
Trump’s plan would take money from FEMA’s disaster relief fund because only Congress can approve new spending. But White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said there are plans to make sure too much money wouldn’t be taken from FEMA.
McEnany said there will be an application process for states that decide to participate and that she thinks they could use CARES funding or existing unemployment funds to pay in.
Kerry McComber, a spokesperson for the N.C. Division of Employment Security, told The N&O on Monday that it’s unclear how the president’s plan would work in North Carolina if the state opted in. It’s unclear when it would begin and how much it would cost the state.
Duke researchers test face masks
A team of researchers at Duke University tested face coverings to find out which were most effective at helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Scientists had study participants speak into a box while wearing 15 different face masks. Laser beams lit up droplets coming from each person’s mouth, which are particles that can transmit COVID-19.
Researchers say they found N95 masks, which medical professionals sometimes use, are most effective at preventing spread.
The most droplets got through the bandana, “which let through about 50% as many particles as someone not wearing a mask at all,” The News & Observer reported Monday.
Football players test positive
Five players on a summer football team tested positive for COVID-19, North Carolina officials say.
The team members were living together while participating in the summer sports session at AHOP Christian Leadership Academy, a private school in Orange County.
The exposure happened more than two weeks ago, and county officials have been working with the school to determine the best time to restart practices, The News & Observer reported Monday.
Another outbreak at Durham jail
At least eight Durham County jail inmates tested positive for COVID-19, the second outbreak to hit the facility.
The latest infections come after the jail in the spring reported eight cases among detention officers, including one who died of coronavirus-related complications, The News & Observer reported.
Nine people in a jail unit were tested this weekend after another inmate showed symptoms of the coronavirus, officials say. Everyone from that unit is in isolation.
Camp, school stop after positive cases
A summer camp and a private school in the Raleigh area have canceled programming after reporting positive COVID-19 cases.
Two children who attended the Cedar Fork Community Center camp in Morrisville tested positive for COVID-19, the town said. The program reportedly had checked temperatures and required face coverings.
More than 30 campers have been asked to remain isolated, and the last week of activities has been suspended, The News & Observer reported Monday.
In Raleigh, a private school has stopped classes after a student tested positive for the virus. A Neuse Christian Academy spokesperson on Monday declined to say when school would start again.
Neuse Christian, which doesn’t have to follow the same regulations as private schools, started in-person classes last week.
College students return during pandemic
Public health experts in the Triangle now have an added challenge to the COVID-19 pandemic: students returning to college campuses.
Students on Monday started classes at N.C. State University and UNC-Chapel Hill, where the campus was quieter than usual.
Responses from local health departments have varied.
Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart sent a memo asking UNC-Chapel Hill to have classes completely online for the fall semester or at least for the first five weeks of school.
Durham and Wake County officials have been advising local universities but say they will not make specific recommendations on student housing or in-person classes, The News & Observer reports.
Students moving into dorms at Duke University in Durham were required to be tested for COVID-19. They’ve been instructed to stay in their dorms until they get results back in 24 to 36 hours.
Duke is the only major university in the area with such a testing requirement.
This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 7:02 AM.
